Ease into February by attending a free jazz concert and Sangha meditation session, or take the new month by storm with a Monday evening happy hour and two DJ sets during the week.
And be sure to catch “Pride,” a British film about gay activism in the 1980s, and “Gold,” an Irish film about one man’s enlightening return home.
Monday
Imani-Grace Cooper at The Kennedy Center: This Howard University music major will sing the tunes of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald. Cooper has performed at Blue’s Alley and other local joints, but this will be her first show on the Millennium Stage.
The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. 6 p.m. Free.
Late-night brews at Meridian Pint: If you’re not quite ready to let go of the weekend, head to Meridian Pint after dark for half-priced ($3) draft beers. The oddly timed happy hour is a result of Meridian’s meticulous cleaning of the lines that move beer from kegs to cups.
Meridian Pint, 3400 11th St. NW. 11 p.m. to close.
Tuesday
Sangha Meditation at Sixth & I: Find inner-peace – or at least 30 minutes to yourself – at this meditation session and conversation. Sangha is an ancient Buddhist form of meditation that celebrates “not doing.” Be sure to RSVP online.
Sixth & I Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 5:45 p.m. Free.
Damien Jurado at Rock & Roll Hotel: With the Jan. 21 release of his 11th studio album, Jurado has been on the scene long enough to have grown stale. Instead, his sound has evolved from lo-fi funk to experimental rock, and he continues to switch up his technique.
Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. Doors at 7 p.m. $15
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Wednesday
“Pride” at NPR Headquarters: Catch this film about gay activists in Margaret Thatcher’s United Kingdom as they fight for union rights in the summer of 1984. The film won the Best British Independent Film award last year, and was nominated for a Golden Globe.
NPR Headquarters, 1111 North Capitol St. NE. 7 p.m. Free.
DJ Sliink at U Street Music Hall: Sliink has shared the stage with A-Trak, Diplo, Skrillex and the like as his up-tempo style and relentless beats keep crowds coming back for more. The New Jersey native has released EPs with major labels like Fool’s Gold and Mad Decent. The show is bound to be wild.
U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. 10 p.m. $10
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Thursday
Viceroy at the 9:30 Club: While lyrics like “I call you Tuesday night/We have a groovy time” read as the antithesis of another mid-week party anthem, the effect is the same: Viceroy gets the crowd moving. He’s opened for well-known DJs like Diplo, remixed Passion Pit and been featured in music mags from Vice to Nylon to discuss his full-bodied, eclectic sound with hints of disco and funk.
9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. 9 p.m. $15
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“Gold” at Capital Irish Film Festival: Solas Nu, the only organization in the United States dedicated to modern Irish arts, will present indie comedy “Gold.” The flick revolves around James Nesbitt, who heads back to his hometown where he finds his ex-wife and daughter still living with the harsh reality of his estrangement.
E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. 7:30 p.m. $6
